Indian cricket finds a new Star

It can only be called a commercial takeover. Star India Pvt. Ltd, which already holds the broadcast and internet rights of Indian cricket till 2017 and is also the title sponsor of all cricket to be played in the country till the end of the season, has now emerged as the official sponsor of the Indian team too.

It can only be called a commercial takeover. Star India Pvt. Ltd, which already holds the broadcast and internet rights of Indian cricket till 2017 and is also the title sponsor of all cricket to be played in the country till the end of the season, has now emerged as the official sponsor of the Indian team too.

On a cold Monday, Star won the team sponsorship rights for all BCCI, International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) matches between January 1, 2014 and March 31, 2017. It can now call itself the 'official team sponsor' and also display a commercial logo on the playing attire of the Senior, Under-19, India 'A' and Women's cricket teams.

On a cold Monday, Star won the team sponsorship rights for all BCCI, International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) matches between January 1, 2014 and March 31, 2017. It can now call itself the 'official team sponsor' and also display a commercial logo on the playing attire of the Senior, Under-19, India 'A' and Women's cricket teams.

Sahara India was the only other interested party but its bid was declared ineligible. TOI learnt that Sahara's dispute with the Board over the termination of its IPL team was cited as the reason.

Sahara India was the only other interested party but its bid was declared ineligible. TOI learnt that Sahara's dispute with the Board over the termination of its IPL team was cited as the reason. (AFP)

Sony, World Sports Group, Gaames Unlimited and UB were the only other groups to acquire the tender documents when they were floated last month. In the end, only Star and Sahara came back with their bids which were accepted till 3pm on Monday.

Sony, World Sports Group, Gaames Unlimited and UB were the only other groups to acquire the tender documents when they were floated last month. In the end, only Star and Sahara came back with their bids which were accepted till 3pm on Monday. (AFP)